If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

User Info Menu

Join Date

Feb 2010

Location

scotland

Posts

28

session advice needed

Hi drummers, im after some advice. I've been asked to play a session for an artist who is recording a single and i said yes, why not!.
I've never done a session before so i have no idea what it entails. I have plenty live experience with the bands i've been in and have done a few recording sessions with well rehearsed parts but im a bit nervous about this upcoming session. I have never worked with the artist and have not heard the song im supposed to be putting drums on. Is it normal to just turn up and wing it? I know the producer and he has told me they have no idea what they want drum wise until i go in. If any session guys on here could shed any light on what the norm is i'd appreciate it.
Cheers

Re: session advice needed

User Info Menu

Join Date

Oct 2011

Location

The Woodlands, TX

Posts

549

Re: session advice needed

My thoughts align with NR - I've been in that situation before. Guy knew I was a drummer and liked what he had heard from my original band, but gave me nothing to go off on what he needed from me in the studio. So I show up and we jam a few times before we hit the record button. It was simple and I didn't feel any pressure - he was happy with what he got as well so it all ended up ok. I think it really depends on their attitude and expectations. It may help to discuss this a little before going in so you get a better feel on what their expectations are, and maybe help steer it a little bit in a better mental direction for you too.

User Info Menu

Join Date

Feb 2010

Location

scotland

Posts

28

Re: session advice needed

yeah i think a chat before hand would definitely help me mentally. I have spoken to the producer who originally asked me to do it who has since said the song isnt finished and they need drums and ideas as its holding things up. Apparently the artist is happy just to try things but im completely in the dark about it, if it turns out they want some RnB or crazy chops then im afraid they have the wrong guy. How does going to a session normally work?

User Info Menu

Join Date

Oct 2006

Location

Portland, Maine

Posts

2,066

Re: session advice needed

All the studio work I've done I always got a demo recording of the material weeks in advance so I could have my part well planned out and ready to go. I would think going into the studio blind would be an expensive thing to do, and not the best way to use studio time. Then again if it's a home studio and isn't costing anything no big deal I guess.

User Info Menu

Join Date

Jul 2013

Location

Seattle,WA

Posts

165

Re: session advice needed

I say stay relaxed make sure your on the click and play what feels right! The guy asked you to play so they obviously have faith you can do whats right for the song. I've done some session work and if there is a part they wanted different I changed them and everyone was happy. Have fun and keep doing what your doing could open new doors

User Info Menu

Join Date

Mar 2012

Location

Houston, TX

Posts

843

Re: session advice needed

This isn't that foreign to me. I do a lot of session work ( at least once a week), and sometimes I can record 3-5 tracks in a night without hearing the tracks ahead of time. With me, I'm given the freedom to play what I'm hearing as the drum parts in these situations. Most of the times, I am given that freedom even when they have a chart or a reference track. I never stress too much in the studio. Just relax and play what you feel if there isn't a ref. track or a chart.

Re: session advice needed

User Info Menu

Join Date

Feb 2010

Location

scotland

Posts

28

Re: session advice needed

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement guys, i was really looking forward to it until the producer phoned today to tell me the artists musical director has changed his mind and they're going with loops!! Ah well never mind, maybe some other time eh.

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.”
Hunter S Thompson.

User Info Menu

Join Date

Feb 2012

Location

lancaster CA

Posts

992

Re: session advice needed

Originally Posted by inspired

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement guys, i was really looking forward to it until the producer phoned today to tell me the artists musical director has changed his mind and they're going with loops!! Ah well never mind, maybe some other time eh.

oh well, youll get another chance. as for not knowing the music ahead of time, this has happened to me more than a little bit. like others said, there usually not that picky with the results. And its usually small time artists who do this. They sometimes themselves don't even fully know the process involved in recording and only doing it because someone gave them the chance to do it, when they otherwise wouldn't have themselves. At least thats my experience.

User Info Menu

Join Date

Feb 2010

Location

scotland

Posts

28

Re: session advice needed

Originally Posted by groovearteest

And its usually small time artists who do this. They sometimes themselves don't even fully know the process involved in recording and only doing it because someone gave them the chance to do it, when they otherwise wouldn't have themselves. At least thats my experience.

Yeah that was exactly the situation, the artist is recording her first single and the label were paying my friend to produce it, he suggested me as the drummer but she didn't know the process etc and it turns out the decision was made for her. Maybe not the best way to go but not my concern now.

“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.”
Hunter S Thompson.